Lot Number 59
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1827 Sq. Base 2 - O.148 R.6 PCGS Gen. XF Details
The label notes “cleaned.” Maybe so, but everything else about this coin is good news. It is certainly the most important coin in the sale. The dentils and central devices are fully struck. Both dies are in their first use. The obverse die appears, in order, on the 148, 131, 133 and 132. The reverse die is found on the 1827 O.143. It is an odd fact that most examples of the 148 were struck on spoiled planchets (brockages and off-center strikes, for example). This one does not appear to have been double struck. The reflective surfaces are bathed in deep, iridescent blue toning. Hairlines are not obvious, suggesting that the “cleaning” was done with a jeweler’s cloth. The coin saw some circulation but was retired from commerce with no distinguishing marks. Circulation “ticks” on the surface are best seen with a loupe. Here is a rare opportunity to push your Capped Bust die variety collection one step closer to the magic 453 mark. BHNC member Ted Galassi cherrypicked the coin at an unspecified auction in 2008. The auction plate was “fuzzy,” so he drove 500 miles to examine the coin. Eureka! Ted promptly consigned the coin to me. I sold it privately to Jim Ross, the current owner, at the January 2009 Fun Show. Est. $8,000 to $12,000.
